QuestionQUESTION: Hi - I'm very new to car shopping so forgive me if this is basic. I'm thinking about purchasing a 2005 Infiniti G35, 79K, dealership's asking $9,900. The car has a rebuilt title. KBB's fair value for this car is about 11K. Two questions come to mind - Do you think this is a fair deal, and (2) typically what can you expect to take off a standard / KBB price for cars that have rebuilt titles?
ANSWER: Hi David, nothing to forgive, your Q is to the point and I like that.
Personally, I don't care to buy any vehicle with a rebuilt/salvage title at any price, check this link on my website http://www.usedcartips.org/AUCTIONS.html and scroll down to should I buy a Salvage car.
The average price across the nation for a 2005 - G35 is $17,000,,, ask yourself why is this car still for sale at asking price $9,900,,, David,,, you are shopping price not value, buying any vehicle is a process of steps, study them on my website to ensure not getting a lemon, when you find a vehicle or two of interest send me a link, I will be happy to look for red flags
Ray http://www.usedcartips.org/
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QUESTION: Thanks Ray. I know what you mean, I'm just always fighting that urge to get a car I want (and can't afford). So when I see a $9900 deal I'm thinking jackpot!
I feel like I've given up on the G35, as the true market value of these vehicles are around 10+K for a 2002. (I really don't want to spend over 9K.) I also heard they were fairly expensive to maintain.
I've spotted the 2002 Lincoln LS. I understand there have been issues with this vehicle. Quick wiki link: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_common_problems_in_a_2002_Lincoln_LS
I've seen a couple privately owned 2002s. The market value for these cars are much more aligned with what I'd like to spend. I want a luxury car that is dependable, but that I will only pay at most 7K for.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/1881267776.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/1868186466.html
Now I realize I'm giving up warranty buying from a dealer (or am I? I feel like the cars I'm looking at are past the warranty period...) But I feel like as long as you do a good job test driving them then you should be ok. Do I spend the money taking it to a shop to get it inspected?
What are your thoughts on these vehicles, and if you don't like them, do you have any suggestions for other used luxury car that I could buy that are in the 7K range?
Your last response was great...thank you so much!
ANSWER: So you spotted a 2002 LS and you checked for issues " that's good " but you can check any vehicle and find issues, in this case the vehicle is 9 years old, don't you think any issues would have passed by now ?, by that I mean if you were buying a vehicle one or two model years old, then yes it could become an issue.
I like the LS, if you have done some study on my web site you will know the steps,,, history report - Test Drive - mechanic - negotiate.
Buying a vehicle in your price range is all about present CONDITION not past recalls or mechanical flaws the model my have encountered.
If you are really considering this vehicle let me know and I will give seller a call over the weekend to get some key questions answered.
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QUESTION: Thanks, Ray. I have been looking on your website (great website by the way), and I did not see the specific part of your website where you discuss these steps. I could infer by ready the different questions you posted on the left margin, but if there was a specific one that talked about these steps I didn't see it.
I checked with the second car I listed above and he was a smoker; I can't stand the smell of a smoker's car so this one is out of the question. The first link I have not checked yet:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/1881267776.html
I am really considering this vehicle. Again I know it's used (really used), I just haven't been able to find other reliable entry level luxury vehicles in this price range near my area code. It's buyer beware at this point, but it seems like you will get some key information (hopefully) answered to give me your honest opinion on this car.
Thank you for offering to get in contact with the seller. I think it is amazing that you help other people you've never met, truly.
AnswerWell let's start with why it's amazing why I help other people, if you read my bio on the web site you would get some idea, on the other hand I feel somewhat hurt when someone post an entry into my forum " please navigate to my forum and click on and entry from just the other day, subject line is " web site " posted by Larry,,, it will give you a little more background about me.
I know I am not really that good at making a web site and the contents are all over the place, but this link will give you some answers http://www.usedcartips.org/newused.html
Now let's get down to business, I called the seller and simply said calling for a friend that don't know much about buying cars, here are some highlites during our conversation. This will teach you key questions to ask...
(1) HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THIS CAR... " since June " and you state on craigslist reason for selling you want a different vehicle,,, and it's only Aug 7th " RED FLAG "
(2) IS THERE ANY REGISTERED LEIN AGAINST THIS VEHICLE... yes... and how do we clear this up ?... you pay me and I will pay out the loan... no if my friend buy's he pays the lien holder. RED FLAG
(3) IS THERE ANYTHING THIS VEHICLE NEEDS OR DON'T WORK PROPERLY TO MAKE IT 100% PERFECT... the cruise control don't work...
(4) IS THE TITLE OF THIS VEHICLE IN YOUR NAME... hesitation... it's in our name... that means...RED FLAG
(5) YOU SAID THE ONLY PROBLEM VEHICLE HAS IS THE CRUISE CONTROL, I ASSUME THEN YOU GOT NO OBJECTION WE TAKE VEHICLE FOR AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTION PRIOR TO PURCHASE... silence - hesitation with answer.
(6) YOU SAY YOU HAVE A HISTORY REPORT, TELL ME DOES THE REPORT HAVE ANY OTHER STATE WITH TITLE ?... hmmm you don't know, and your pressed for time going to a birthday party... will call you some other time.
Hey not to worry, send me another link, we will find you a car before X'Mas,,, lol
